Engineers have repaired the gas pipe and are now working to remove water from the gas network.

The company has set up an emergency centre at All Saints School, in Norreys Avenue, which will be open until 11pm this evening, where staff are handing out portable appliances for cooking and heating to the elderly, the disabled, anyone chronically sick and families with young children. Alternatively call 0845 070 1431.

An SGN spokesperson said: "We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may have caused and that we would like to reassure you that we are working hard to resolve this problem."

Anyone with concerns about gas safety can call the National Gas Emergency Number on 0800 111 999.